author comments

30th Jul 2014, 10:22 AM

There has been a recent increase in homelessness in Australia over the last few weeks - mostly as a result of the economy.

While there are elderly homeless, there are also many youths (25 and under) sleeping rough. Most people don't choose this lifestyle. Some have lived on the streets for only a few days or weeks, others like "Bob" up there, have been homeless for decades.

There are murders, accidental deaths and violence in the streets that can be linked to homelessness. Unfortunately we don't know the exact figures.

Some people are attempting to help (in the ACT, free health service has opened up for the homeless) but as the source lies in the economic downturn and the new unemployment regulations, it is more difficult than ever to keep people off the streets.

I have mentioned this before and I'll say it again, midnightRUN is very, very much in the fictional realm of things. Homeless people don't have it light at all. If you are reading this, consider finding what you can do to help your local homeless. Sometimes small things like swapping a small treat of the day (coffee or smoothie or something similar) in favour of tipping someone on the streets won't make much of a difference for you but can mean the world of a difference for them.

Of course, some would prefer to go bigger and help in soup kitchens, open up their home for a night or volunteer at shelters. But even something like tipping that person on the footpath or donating to a local center is good - every little bit counts.

Just consider your local homeless while you read midnightRUN. Think also about the small things you can do that will add up for others in need.